JFH Music News

November, 2004

*Tuesday, November 30th, 2004*

Steven Curtis Chapman kicked off his “All Things New”
nationwide tour last month where several of the shows were in front of sellout crowds. In fact, just
20 dates into the tour, Chapman has performed in front of sold out or near capacity crowds at almost
every show, averaging 5400 people a night. Sellouts were in Washington, D.C., Houston, Tyler,
Minneapolis, Birmingham, Atlanta and Memphis. The Minneapolis and Houston shows each had over 10,000
people in attendance, while the concert yesterday in Washington, D.C. was sold out for over three weeks.
The tour, scheduled to hit 40+ cities this spring, features songs from the new album as well as his hits
from the past 17 years. The spring leg will begin February 10th in Oklahoma City and close May 1st in
Jacksonville, FL. Spring tour dates are listed below, along with the remaining dates for 2004.
"What an incredible start to this 70-city tour," says J. David Huffman, COO Creative Trust. "The impact
of the evening is very high by all counts both in attendance, spiritual and musical energy in addition
to the vast number of children and families who will be helped in adoption assistance through this tour.
With Chapman kicking things off for the whole night, he, Casting and Tomlin have teamed well to make
this a true 'All Things New' kind of evening.”
The tour is sponsored by Shaohannah’s Hope, the Chapman family’s adoption foundation named after their
first adopted daughter, Shaohannah Hope, now age five. Since the start of the tour, over $750,000 has
been raised, soon to surpass its $1,000,000 goal. With the motto “Building A Bridge,” over 400 people
have expressed interest in adopting and more than 1300 concertgoers have signed up to join the Stevey
Joy Club, a monthly giving program. As an incentive, each Stevey Joy Club member receives a jade
bracelet from China, a replica of the bracelet Chapman wears. New members also receive the email
newsletter Orphan Voice, and if you sign up at the concert, new members receive the All Things New
CD or the “Shaoey & Dot: Bug Meets Bundle” children’s book, written by Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth. (from The M Collective)
On the heels of news released last week that the Supertones are planning to hang up their horns and
black suits for the last time in 2005, fans are rallying together in hopes to hear some unreleased
gems. "Of course the Supertones are breaking up," a fan recently wrote in to Jesusfreakhideout.com. "However,
the band has said they have plenty of other songs recorded that were never released. Here is something
that Ethan Luck said on the board: 'I probably have the most rare songs ever. All the songs we never
used on Loud and Clear, Hi-Fi, Live Vol.1 and Revenge, I have. They
were not recorded in the studio, though. They were recorded in Mojo's basement. I doubt anyone will
ever hear them though. Maybe one day after we're long gone.' Also, Kevin Chen spoke up about this as
well: 'I have a pre-production tape from Strike Back that has songs that never made it to the
album... also, some songs are in their original arrangements...'
The fans were really hoping that the band would put together a B-sides album like Five Iron's
Cheeses... before breaking up, so they can hear all these unreleased songs.
Unfortunately though, as the band has been saying, that is difficult and unlikely. It all depends
on the label, BEC. It appears they are unsure about producing a B-sides album.
So here is where the fans stepped in: An official petition has been put together in hopes of getting
enough signatures (at least over a thousand... More is definitely good) to persuade the people at BEC
to put trust in a Tones B sides album. With enough signatures from fans, the fans in charge of the
petition are going to send it to the people at BEC and see if they can make a B-sides album possible
for the Tones' never before heard songs.
Here is the link to the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/tones_bsides/"
Sounds good to us! Sign the petition and cross your fingers! (from Seveled / JfH)
BEC Recordings artist, Falling Up will be headlining this
winter, west coast tour which will hit venues in 15 cities including Seattle, Portland, San Diego and
Tucson. The band is coming off a stellar year in which they saw their debut album, Crashings
top sales of over 50,000. They have just released their third single, "Escalates" to radio and have
high hopes of seeing it grace the #1 slot just as the previous two singles did earlier this year.
Falling Up also released a video for "Escalates" in support of the single, which is already climbing
the charts. The Little Green Tour will also feature the veteran rock band Spoken. The band is set
to release the follow-up album to it's successful Tooth and Nail debut, A Moment of Imperfect Clarity.
Plans are also in the works for an acoustic EP and comprehensive DVD to be released in 2005.
This tour will be the long awaited return of Spoken to the west coast. Also appearing on stage will
be Floodgate Records artist Mourning September and Flicker Records very own Subseven.
With the addition of these two relatively new but solid bands, the Little Green Tour will be a great
way to kick off 2005. Speaking of Spoken,
the band will be headlining a major tour in the spring of 2005. The roster for the tour
will include Kids in the Way, Staple, The Fold and Slingshot 57! (from Architect Entertainment)
Modern Rock band Seventh Day Slumber (SDS) is set to
release their greatly anticipated debut on BEC Recordings, Once Upon a Shattered Life,
this February 1, 2005, a project BEC Recordings/Tooth & Nail president Brandon Ebel is anxious for
everyone to hear.
"Seventh Day Slumber is an awesome addition to the BEC family," remarked Ebel. " Joseph has an amazing
testimony! God has been using him over the years and our goal is to partner with him and his band to
reach more people for Christ. Seventh Day Slumber played over 200 shows last and that is the work
ethic we love at BEC."
Lead singer Joseph Rojas echoes Ebel's enthusiasm, commenting, "It’s amazing to be part of a label
where there is 100% support. BEC/Tooth and Nail is an artist’s dream. We feel like we’re on the
greatest label in the world and we hope to make them proud."
On Once Upon a Shattered Life, Seventh Day Slumber uses a strong rock musical frame to
showcase their powerful lyrical message of hope and redemption, belting out catchy hooks behind
throbbing guitars while confronting real-life problems affecting so many young people like
addiction, suicide and depression. However, what sets them apart from most modern rock bands is
that they sing about solutions to these problems. “There are things going on with Christian kids
that no one wants to talk about because we’re supposed to be happy,” said Rojas. “When talking about
those issues, we always paint Christ as the answer to hurting people and tough situations.”
(from The M Collective)
Switchfoot fans may have something to celebrate this Christmas for sure. Every year, the band's webstore
offers a holiday package and this year's looks to be extra special. The '04 Holiday Package,
when added to any t-shirt or sweatshirt order, includes a brand new exclusive Switchfoot DVD,
autographed Switchfoot Christmas card, and a brand new sticker - all for only $10 extra. The site
doesn't give many details about the exclusive DVD, but the project is entitled Feet Don't Fail Me Now!
and can only be purchased from Switchfoot.com! (from Switchfoot)
Legendary Christian speed metal band Tourniquet is back in action! Earlier this month the band
announced on their official site the return of former guitarist Aaron Guerra... "Well, it's been awhile, but we can finally
announce that our longtime friend and former guitarist Aaron Guerra will once again be cranking up the
guitar with Tourniquet! As you may remember, it was a mutual parting three years ago, as Aaron was
starting a family and so on. We are all now in a position to welcome him back and he is in a position
to return - so... let's all give him a "Welcome Back Aaron!" Of course, this means you may have a
chance to see Tourniquet live again..." (from Tourniquet.net; Thanks Brandon L. for the news!)

*Wednesday, November 24th, 2004*

Renowned rock, ska band the O.C. Supertones bids a fond
farewell to its long-lived career. Ten years, seven albums and millions of fans later, the group has
decided to part ways in 2005.
In a letter that recently posted to its website the band comments, “There were several reasons that
factored into our decision. Rest assured, however, that after much discussion and lots of prayer, we
know this is right. Our end date is yet to be determined, but 2005 will be the Supertones’ last year
together.” The O.C. Supertones has summoned its fans for support in 2005, encouraging them to attend
a live show. Among those events planned to mark the band’s final year together are a greatest hits
record, Unite, a national tour, as well as select concerts abroad.
Matt Morginsky, frontman for the O.C. Supertones and one of its founders, reflects, “It’s both
difficult and sad to say goodbye to something you have been a part of since you were 15. I hope that
this band leaves behind more than what numbers can indicate. Our goal was and still is to glorify
God and to edify His people.”
This last decade, the band’s impact has gone beyond affecting its fans. “Working with the Supertones
has been among the highest experiences of my career,” remarks Mark Guynn, booking agent for the
William Morris Agency. “Their musicianship is exceeded only by their ability to get a crowd going.
This is going to be a great year for the Supertones. Bittersweet, yes, but we’re gonna have a lot
of fun too!” With more than one million album sales to its credit, the O.C. Supertones are one
of contemporary Christian music’s leading rock bands. The group has acquired two rock radio hits,
played 19 concert tours, and performed at such high-profile events as World Youth Day with Pope
John Paul II as well as numerous Billy Graham Crusades. Media appearances include MTV’s “120
Minutes,” CNN “Headline News” and the cover of national touring magazine, Pollstar. For more
information on the Supertones and its 2005 itinerary, visit: www.supertones.com. For booking,
email mguynn@wma.com. (from Supertones.com; thanks to Blake S. for the news)
Rook drummer Randy Shreve just got back from L.A.
after tracking a duet with Kevin Max and his brother Benjamin Del Shreve at
Scott Weiland’s Lavish studios, Randy is producing the album. The duet between Kevin and Benjamin
will be released on Benjamin Del Shreve’s new album due out in 2005. Kevin Max has also been
collaborating with some big names in the mainstream industry including Nick Rhodes and Warren
Cuccurullo of Duran Duran and Scott Weiland as well for his new album slated to drop on
Northern Records. With their brit pop melodies and edgy guitars and fronted by CCM veteran
Eric Champion, Rook will definitely be a band to watch out for in 2005.
Singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp released Restored, his
new project with BEC Recordings, November 16th scanning a total of 33,322 units in its first week.
Almost 26,000 units were sold in the Christian market alone.
Restored debuts at No. 1 on the Top Christian Charts and No. 3 on the Contemporary Christian
Combined Charts, making it Camp’s second project to debut at the top of the charts. In addition,
his latest project surpasses the first week sales of Carried Me: The Worship Project, the highest
single week scans ever for a BEC Recordings artist. Carried Me: The Worship Project debuted at
No. 1 (Top Christian Charts) with over 19,000 scanned in February of this year.

*Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004*

Last week, Kevin Max announced a new record deal on his personal blog!
"Kevin Max signs to Northern Records. After almost 2 years of deliberation and demo projects after leaving Forefront records in 2002,
Kevin Max is back with a brand new indie label backing him
all the way into the future. With Put On The Masquerade as a working title, and writer
partner and guitar hero Warren Cuccurullo [of DuranDuran] at the helm of the new songs, things should get
interesting indeed... stay tuned for more information and a complete official press statement."
(thanks to "Sevel" for the news)
Touring in support of their current, critically acclaimed World Service, UK natives Delirious?
and special guests, Rock N’ Roll Worship Circus and Taylor Sorensen, recently wrapped up their
record-setting World Service UK Tour 04. With more than 22,000 tickets sold in 13-cities, including
11 sold out events, the tour was the most successful UK tour ever for Delirious?.
“This truly been the most exciting tour we have ever done,” says Delirious? frontman Martin Smith
following the final stop of the UKWorld Service Tour in Belfast. “We’re humbled to see the ongoing
support for our music and message. The Irish people were in fine song tonight and it was an amazing
experience seeing a venue like this resounding with the praises of God. Its hard to put into words
what it's like to be the guy in the band with the mic held over a sweaty crowd, belting out their
prayers put to music, seeing their eyes on fire with purpose and vision— a reason to get up in the
morning in the midst of a troubled world.”
Continuing their World Service Tour, Delirious? jumps the Atlantic and hits several US cities this month
More information about Delirious?, World Service and the band’s touring, can be found at www.delirious.co.uk.
(from Hoganson Media)
TVU Music Television presents Essential recording artist Day of Fire in a half-hour television
special airing Friday, Nov. 26. The show entitled "Day of Fire Uncut" features the band performing
several acoustic cuts from its self-titled debut album. Taped with a live audience at the TVU
studios, the show brings out not only a great intimate performance of the group, but also the
incredible story of lead vocalist and writer Joshua Brown who shares from his personal life in the
special. John Owens, program director of TVU notes, “We are so excited to present this band to our
audience. They have a great sound and we look forward to this compelling program on our network.”
The TVU special premieres Friday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and airs again on Saturday,
Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. TVU Music Television can be seen nationwide on Sky Angel
home satellite, cable systems and online at TVULIVE.COM. Check your local listings.
(from Provident Music Group)
Thousand Foot Krutch is currently in the studio in
Toronto, Canada with famed producer Arnold Lanni (Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace) recording their
follow-up to last years' smash album Phenomenon. The new album is entitled
The Art of Breaking and is scheduled to hit stores on March 29th, 2004! Look for the guys
on tour in the Spring with John Reuben!
(from Tooth & Nail; thanks to all who wrote in about this bit, too!)
Kids In The Way is looking for a new bassist. "After a great 3 years of rocking and rolling‚
Nathan Hughes (bass) has decided to move on," announced the band on their official website two
weeks ago. "His last show with KITW was Friday‚ Nov. 5th in Marion‚ Indiana. We all wish him the
best in his future‚ and are greatful for his contribution to our band.
... in related news‚ we need a new bassist! if you are interested or know someone who is‚ please
contact us at: kidsintheway@hotmail.com" In Jan/Feb, you can catch the band on The Collide Tour with
Skillet and Seventh Day Slumber. (from KidsInTheWay.com)
Sixsteps/Sparrow Records’ Chris Tomlin plays an Avalon
S25 guitar on his fastest-selling album to date, Arriving, which debuted at No. 39 on the
Billboard Top 200 and sparked the current No. 1 hit single, “Indescribable.” Tomlin is also playing
the guitar on the already successful tour this fall with Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns.
Joining the growing list of top guitarists endorsed by the guitar maker, such as Jim Corr and
Anthony Drennan (The Corrs) and Cliff Young (Caedmon’s Call), Tomlin comments, “I am grateful to
Avalon guitars for letting me use such a wonderful instrument. Their service and integrity speaks
for itself in every guitar.”
“Avalon Guitars is a guitar company committed to excellence and have endeavoured to reflect this in
their choice of guitar for Tomlin,” says North American director for the company, Miles McKee.
“When someone like Chris is out there ministering for the glory of God it only makes sense that we
create a guitar which will compliment his purpose and serve him in his calling.”
Tomlin’s Avalon S25 was handcrafted in Ireland by the world-renowned luthiers of Avalon Guitars. In
the realm of small-bodied guitars, the Avalon S25 model is a variation on a theme, closely hinting
at the proportions of a classical guitar but built for the versatile demands of a steel string player.
(from Hoganson Media)
A song by Slanted Records artist Charity Von will be featured in an upcoming episode of the
acclaimed CBS show “Joan of Arcadia.” Von’s “The Narrow” appears this Friday, November 26, within
the first 10 minutes of the show as the music bed for a scene that takes place in the high school.
The Emmy-nominated family drama centers around the title character, a teen-age girl whose frequent
encounters with God in the flesh—as a lunch lady, a stranger on the street, a little girl, or a cute
boy her own age—often involve his request that she do something, like join the debate team, hold a
garage sale or get a job. Joan’s struggles to understand the ways that God works are at the heart of
this absorbing show. “The Narrow” is on 19-year-old Von’s recent self-titled debut, which is garnering rave reviews from
both mainstream and Christian media. (from Bozeman Media)
Highly acclaimed singer/songwriter Scott Krippayne will
release his 6th studio album, Gentle Revolution, January 25. The Spring Hill Music Group
project, with its driving rhythms and guitar-based melodies, brings to light a level of artistry
previously untapped from this multi-talented musician.
Producer and music industry veteran Kent Hooper creatively collaborated with Krippayne on
Gentle Revolution, to deliver musically an album with hints of rock, clashing
orchestrations and unexpected dynamics. From the heart-pounding rhythm of the title cut to the
riveting truth of “I Am Jesus,” Krippayne re-defines his position in the music industry by reaching
a new level of lyrical depth and musical clarity, while staying true to his creative instincts.
Krippayne admits that this ten-song CD represents his own spiritual journey over the last few years.
“If I’ve learned anything over the past year or two, it’s that I’ve got a long way to go to really
make a difference and to be a true follower of Jesus,” says Krippayne. “That’s where I’ve been
living lately, trying to sort out what’s really important in life and how to represent Christ in
the world.” “The idea behind Gentle Revolution is change,” continues Krippayne. “Any
revolution means change, and while we associate that idea with overthrow, Jesus brought a gentle
revolution into the lives of everyone he met. He touched them. He listened to their stories and
gave them the truth.” Spring Hill general manager Phil Johnson states, “This is our fourth project with Scott and I believe
this is the album of his career. He challenged himself on Gentle Revolution, and the result
has amazing depth, both musically and lyrically.”
Krippayne, whose accolades include penning 16 No. 1 hits, being named the No. 1 Christian Artist of
the Year for American Songwriter Magazine (1996) and garnering several Dove nominations, to name a
few, has also written songs for such well-known artists as Avalon, John Tesh, Jaci Velásquez, FFH
and Sandi Patty. His song, “It Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You,” recorded by Tesh, reached the
top 20 on mainstream AC radio. Krippayne further co-wrote two songs “Do It Again” and “God Is In
It” for Point Of Grace’s current project, I Choose You. (from Hoganson Media)
72 new homes will be built for the poor in Jamaica, thanks to nearly $150,000 in donations
collected from recent Integrity Music events and given to Food For The Poor, the foremost
international relief organization serving the poor in the Caribbean. World Vision and the Mobile
Habitat for Humanity office also benefited from Integrity’s fundraising efforts.
Integrity Music Group presented Food For The Poor with an initial check for $20,000 to help build
the Jamaican homes. That donation represents proceeds from Integrity Music’s 2nd Annual Charity
Golf Tournament, sponsored by GL Services, Sony, Maxx Technology, LaSalle Bank, JF Pate &
Associates, Smurfit-Stone Display, TimeLife, Inc. and others on October 29 at the Magnolia Grove.
An additional $5,000 from the golf tournament was donated to two of Integrity Music’s ongoing
charitable commitments – Christian international relief agency World Vision and Habitat for Humanity
in Mobile County, a faith-based organization that builds simple, affordable homes in partnership with people in need.
According to Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor: “We are so pleased to partner with Integrity Music to bring the good news of our mission of serving the poor to the people of God. As we gathered together for awe-inspiring praise and worship led by Don Moen, we were all challenged to put our faith into action by providing some very basic housing for our destitute neighbors in the Caribbean. The iWORSHIP™ Tour has resulted in donations for 72 houses and we rejoice in becoming a blessing to others.”
Food For The Poor will also receive more than $120,000 from the iWORSHIP™ Tour, presented by Worship Artist and Integrity Music Vice President Don Moen, which visited 10 cities in October.
(from Spinhouse PR)
Stavesacre has returned! Their new 4 song Bull Takes
Fighter EP is available to preorder now! This very limited, 4 song cd is only available at
stavesacre.com. Click here to order yours today
before they run out. The CD's will ship on December 6 just in time for Christmas. Preview the
songs using the player above. The EP is the band's thank you to all of their
faithful fans for being so patient waiting for new music. (from Stavesacre.com)

*Friday, November 19th, 2004*

While the band is back home right now, Blindside is working on a few special projects for your
enjoyment. A DVD called Ten Years Running Blind is in production right now with Simon and
Tomas pouring over hours of footage right back to the bands first gig. Marcus is hard at work on a
new look website which is hoped to be launched before the end of the year.
Christian is in South Africa right now with World Vision and his lovely wife Elina working in
villages affected by the AIDS pandemic. The band is proud to partner with World Vision over the last 6
months and are so grateful that our fans were able to support over 500 children around the world.
Visit BlindsideOnline.com now for brand new merch from the band! Some new items include a series
of handmade, specially designed purses, bags, dresses, skirts and shorts that are extremely limited
in number! Hmmm... Think Christmas! (from Blindside)
Out of Eden played to over 10,000 people this past weekend at Bill &
Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering. Although the crowd was a little
older than Out of Eden's usual crowd, they were still successful in
getting everyone on their feet! Out of Eden also taught seminars for
teenage girls and their moms. The Group had a great impact and is
invited back next year! Also, Out of Eden is currently in the studio
recording a hymns album, appropriately titled Hymns, which is scheduled to release March 29th.
Check the journal page on the website to see how things are going in
the studio! www.outofedenonline.com Check out Out of Eden's store
page at www.outofedenonline.com to get your official Soldiers
t-shirts! (from Gotee Records)
Sarah Kelly is staying busy these days. While rounding out the last
dates on the Jars of Clay fall tour, she's in L.A. this week
recording an exclusive set for Sony Connect (Sony's online music
store). Be sure to download these exclusive songs at
www.sonyconnect.com in the coming weeks. Also, don't miss Sarah in
December on the "Rock the Halls" Christmas tour with Everyday Sunday
and Paul Wright. And in early 2005, she'll be back in the studio
recording her sophomore release, the follow-up to Take Me Away. To
check out the dates for the Christmas tour and to watch for details
about Sarah's spring touring schedule, stay tuned to
www.sarahkellymusic.com. (from Gotee Records)
Some 'technical difficulties' (to say the least) have struck the Skillet crew in recent weeks.
"About two weeks ago, we were on the road to play some shows and we had a flat tire on the bus,"
writes frontman John Cooper in a recent newsletter. "Well, we heard a noise that sounded like a flat.
We pulled off on some back roads to try to figure out what the problem was. Next, we had to take some
unfamiliar roads when we ran (very slowly) under an overpass that was too low for our bus. The air
conditioning units were crushed and we could see the sky from the inside of our bus! It also crushed
the roof of the bus and did some other damage as well. We have been working on getting it fixed since
the accident, but it is only about half-way finished. We had to cancel a couple of shows that weekend
with Finger Eleven, so I'm sorry to anyone who was going to those shows! We have had to rent vehicles
and trailers to make it to all of our shows since. We rented Tree63's van and drove all the way down
to Florida from Wisconsin. The rock must go on baby!
The next thing that happened was in Live Oak, Florida. We had just started playing the show when my bass suddenly got tossed around my shoulder, caught the drum overhead microphone stand, and somehow destroyed all of the wiring in my guitar! We had to stop the show for almost thirty minutes while it was fixed. The only good thing that resulted in this was that we did a worship set while we waited and it was cool. As far as professionalism goes, it was my most embarrassing moment on stage. It worked out in the end, and to make up for it we played the next night in Orlando and the crowd was awesome. They were so loud on the first song that I thought that they rivaled our all time loudest crowd at "The Door" in Texas. Equally as cool, we played with Disciple that night and it rocked. Kevin (Disciple's singer) showed me two new songs they have just recorded for a new release sometime next year and it ruled! It turned out to be a great weekend.
From here, we are playing a few shows and mainly getting prepared for the upcoming tour. I hope to see everyone on this email list there! Enjoy the holidays, eat tons of food, and rock much."
(from Skillet)
“Voice of Truth,” the third radio single from Casting Crowns,
lands at No. 1 this week on R&R’s Christian AC Monitored chart. This marks the band’s third
consecutive No. 1 single from its self-titled debut album, which reached RIAA-certified gold status
earlier this year. Co-penned by Casting Crowns’ Mark Hall and fellow artist/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, “Voice of
Truth,” is the band’s third multi-format single to top Christian radio charts. Smash hits “If We Are
the Body” and “Who Am I” both topped the charts of multiple radio formats earlier this year.
“It’s really exciting for us to see our songs impacting people across the country, not just at our
live shows, but at radio and retail,” says Hall. “This has been an incredible year for us and we are
so grateful that God is using our ministry to further his purpose.”
Casting Crown’s newest release, the DVD/CD project Live From Atlanta, hit retail on Sept. 14
and was recently certified platinum by the RIAA based on its overwhelming ship numbers. The band is currently on the road with the Steven Curtis Chapman “All Things New” tour through mid-December. For tour dates and additional information, please visit www.castingcrowns.com or www.reunionrecords.com.
(from Provident Music)
DJMaj is approaching the end of another great tour season. The
remainder of 2004 and the beginning of 2005 involves production on
the new DJM project scheduled for release in the summer of 2005. You
can also hear Maj on the Virtual Frequency syndicated radio program
currently airing on 45+ stations nationally. (from Gotee Records)

*Thursday, November 18th, 2004*

Bleach is continuing recording on their sixth and final record at the end of this week and
hopes to be done recording by the middle of next week. This will leave just mixing and mastering left
to do. "We have a tenative release date for the new record," announced lead singer Davy Baysinger
on their official website. "Farewell Old Friends, March 1, 2005. We will keep you posted."
As will we! Also, to all the fans (like ourselves) who preordered their new DVD That's Our Life Up Until Now
can rest assured now that they're in and are being shipped by the band this week! (from Bleached.com)
P.O.D. is back in the studio! "P.O.D. have built a 12 year career without compromising for anyone,"
announced their official newsletter this week. "Our Warriors around the world have given us a life
and a platform that is unprecedented. We feel your support and prayers and have so much love in our
hearts for you as we head into this new record! The new songs are coming out very, very heavy.
We’re in a place where we can hear from Jah and bring honor to the almighty. This is all we care
about right now. Thanks for praying... something extraordinary is happening with P.O.D. right now."
Sounds good to us! We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, check out www.payableondeath.com for
some really cool new merch they guys just got online to sell! (from P.O.D.)
The boys from Mute Math are out touring with the
David Crowder Band as part of his Illuminate tour. This week Mute Math and DCB run through Florida
and Louisiana. The band is seeing some major table sales everynight, the follow-up scans in each
market have been very successful as well. The story at radio continues to build and the band is
going strong as they look to begin recording on their full-length album due out in the
spring of 2005. (from Word Records)
Third Day's brand new CD/DVD combo project Live Wire releases Tuesday and our friends
at MusiChristian.com are offering quite a deal! The Gomer Edition, as they're calling it, is named
after the "Gomer" Third Day fanbase and includes quite a few extras! If you order their
live CD today, you'll receive this limited edition that includes unique goodies specially for the
fans of Third Day. This includes: A numbered 8 x 10 of the band, mini-tour poster postcards,
a "Gomer" edition laminate & lanyard, guitar picks and more! Click here to order yours (we did!)
(from MusiChristian.com)
Outreach-minded, folk/pop group Caedmon's Call continues
to raise its voice for the voiceless as members, Cliff and Danielle Young engage national talk radio
this week as the featured guests on Janet Parshall's America, live Thursday (TODAY), Nov. 18, 2:00 -
2:30 ET. The piece will focus on the band's recent Share The Well release which is the
first album of its kind in Christian music, recorded with local musicians in remote areas of India,
Ecuador and Brazil to initiate widespread awareness of the oppressive caste discrimination against
India’s 250 million "Dalits," considered less worthy than even the lowest class and referred to as
the ‘untouchables.’ The album also serves as a critical reminder of the existing persecution and
poverty in the three countries overall. Check http://www.jpamerica.com/ for local station affiliates.
Janet Parshall's America is a daily three-hour, nationally syndicated radio program based in
Washington, DC. The show is also aired coast to coast on FamilyNet TV, weeknights 7-8pm and 10-11pm
ET, and 11pm-12am PT. Janet Parshall's America is thought provoking, interactive radio that allows
listeners to exchange information and learn. Guests have included Vice President of the United
States Richard Cheney, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, former Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork,
and family advocates and advisers Dr. James Dobson, and Gary Smalley. (from Provident Music)
Newly-signed Fervent Records group EXIT>EAST joins label
mates Big Daddy Weave and Ardent Records’ Todd Agnew for the 20-plus city Absolute Modern Worship
Tour this February and March.
Beginning February 3 and stopping in key markets- Detroit, MI, Columbus, OH, Birmingham, AL and
others, the tour will help promote the latest installation of the Absolute series, Absolute Modern
Worship, releasing January 25.
"As a band we've been on many regional tours, but this will be our first national tour. We are not
only excited about being on the road with Big Daddy Weave and Todd Agnew - we are honored. Both of
these artists create compelling, life engaging music and we are ecstatic about the opportunity to
stand on the same stage with them. We are in prayer that God will convey his Truth through each of
the artists as we strive to reflect Him in our own unique art, " shares Jason Foust of EXIT>EAST.
The series also includes Absolute Worship, Absolute Smash Hits and
Absolute Favorite Christmas, which have together sold over 300,000 units in just eleven
months making it CBA Marketplace’s best selling new series launch in the last two years. EXIT>EAST
is featured on the album performing “All Of This,” the current AC/CHR single from their self-titled
label debut releasing January 18. (from Hoganson Media)
Gospel reggae and world music record label Lion of Zion Entertainment, Inc. recently signed an
exclusive U.S. distribution deal with Point of Grace Entertainment Distribution, a company distributed
by Faithworks in the CBA market and Sony/BMG Red in the general market. The new deal, which takes
effect immediately, will include Lion of Zion Entertainment's extensive catalog of Gospel reggae and
world music titles. The first new release under the agreement will be Christafari's Gravitational
Dub--Destination Dub Central Station, which hits stores January 11, 2005.
"When I think about the power of music, I think about the impact it can have on both the individual
and the masses. Such is the case with Christafari,” says John Van der Veen, music buyer for retail
chain Family Christian Stores. “Mark and his bandmates have impacted my life in such a way to desire
more of the things of Jesus. I also have witnessed the power of Mark's records changing the masses,
to see the Light, to see the Truth. I am excited about the new relationship that Lion of Zion
Entertainment now has with Point of Grace Entertainment. This new partnership is more than contracts
and dotted lines, this is the family of God, linking arms to both speak to the church and the
unchurched. Such will be the case for Christafari's new record, Gravitational Dub. I have lived
with this record for some time now, and I must say I believe it is their finest work to date. Look
out folks, reggae is taking over in '05!"
Launched in 1999 by Christafari founder and vocalist Mark Mohr, Lion of Zion Entertainment is the
largest provider of gospel reggae and world music on the planet. The label consistently introduces
Christian music buyers to new musical cultures from around the world, including such genres as
dancehall, dub, soca, calypso, ragamuffin, and more. (from Nashville Publicity)
Multiple Dove, Grammy, Stellar and NAACP award recipient BeBe Winans
will release Dream, a new studio recording in February 2005. He recently traveled to
Mobile, Ala., to perform for the Provident-Integrity Distribution sales conference and to meet with
his Integrity Music and Sony Music teams. Pictured here are (l to r): Jackie Patillo, general
manager of Integrity Gospel, Danny McGuffey, senior vice president and chief marketing officer,
Integrity Media, Jerry Weimer, president of Integrity Music Group; Winans, Heidi Brown Lewis, vice
president of Sony Music Label Group; Chris Smith, director of sales for Sony Music Label Group and
Natalya Davis, associate product director of Sony Music Label Group.
Dream, Winans’ fifth solo effort, will be a joint release between Hidden Beach Recordings’ Still
Waters and Winans’ The Movement Group. Sony Music’s Epic Records Group division serves as Hidden
Beach’s worldwide distributor and marketing partner to the general market and Provident-Integrity
Distribution will distribute Winans’ new project to Christian retail. (from Spinhouse)
Fantasia Barrino was named the newest American Idol. Brad Cotter took home
Nashville Star rights. Both have record deals and so will the next
“Exalting Him” Christian Talent Search Winner!
Exalting Him 2004, a national Christian talent search sponsored by Daywind Soundtracks,
Family Christian Stores, Trinity Broadcasting Network and Salem Music Networks, drew over 2,000
entries from across the United States. With regional competitions held in Anaheim, Dallas, Orlando,
Nashville, Raleigh, Seattle, New York, Chicago and Atlanta, eighteen finalists and two wild cards
emerged. These regional finalists met at the Trinity Broadcasting Network studio in Nashville for the
finals competition, hosted by singer/songwriter Gary Chapman, August 19-21, 2004. Joyce Martin
McCullough hosted a special backstage portion of the show.
Exalting Him 2004 will air daily on TBN November 22-26th at 7:30 PM (eastern standard time), while
reaching over 100 million households. Check your local listings or visit www.tbn.org for more
information. (from Daywind)

*Tuesday, November 16th, 2004*

John Reuben's cooking up plenty of new music to serve up for 2005. In the next couple of
weeks, AudioGoat is releasing a brand new remix project including songs from each of Reuben's
three Gotee Records releases. Although Reuben had no hand in the remixes, he has been busy working
on his follow-up to 2003's stellar Professional Rapper. His latest venture,
due sometime around April of next year, is a more upbeat project, continuing to display
John's experimentation and growth in the hip-hop genre. We had the pleasure of hearing
some new cuts from John's record still in the early stages and can assure you it looks to be
a great project! Relient K fans will be excited to know that frontman Matt Thiessen appears on one
of the record's standout tracks. For fans who especially enjoyed Reuben's more edgy treatment
on Professional Rapper will be interested in a second release from John late next year
releasing as a side project under John's real name, John Zappin. We'll keep you posted as these
projects develop. In the meantime, catch John on his 12 Days Of Christmas Tour next month
and receive the new remix project free! (exclusively from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
ChristianityToday reported today on the drama surrounding Big Dismal and an apparent breakup
of the band. According to a
recent thread on their forum, there is word from frontman Eric Durrance that the band has split.
Before Eric's post, guitarist Chuck Shea announced bassist Gary Sobel's departure. Despite the members
reassuring fans it's just a temporary break, Durrance insists Big Dismal is over,
"I guess I should say something since I am the one who started this band in the first place. No one can begin to imagine what the guys and myself have been through. It has been a very slow death for this band and there are alot of people(who I wont mention) who pulled the trigger in the end. So I will tell you all(YES) Big D has ended. I myself will go ahead with my career (alone). I tried everything possible to try and hold this together but it soon would have driven me six feet under. Things will move much faster now without all the drama! I hope you will continue to support me and the songs. You will notice that the songs will remain great even though the band was weak. Oh, its kinda funny how Jeff has been watching all this time and waiting till now to show up again. Go figure. Well, I hope you all understand what a great relief this is for me and my family. Now I can make the music the way I want without having to ask anyone for an opinion. To all the members of Big D- Jeff, Davy, Stan, Gary, Chuck, Terry , I say thank you for helping the music get this far. Now its up to me.
Your friend, Eric" For more info, visit the link above... (from BigDismal.com)
Kutless has been hard at work on two new albums. The first, due out in February/March of 2005
is a worship album that will be followed up by a new studio project later in the year.
"Tons of stuff has been going on and many exciting things are coming up for us very soon,"
the band announced last week on Kutless.com. "First of all, you may have been hearing rumors about us
doing a worship record. Well, the rumors are true! We are headed in to the studio on November 8th
where we will be spending the rest of the month, and most of December completing this worship record.
Once again we are recording in Seattle and teaming up with Aaron Sprinkle, bringing this to our third
project that he has produced for us. We are currently planning on half of the record being well known
worship songs that most people will know, and the other half being original worship songs and songs
that we sing at our home church that may not be known nationally. We hope that this record will
contain our usual edgy "Kutless" sound while maintaining a heart and attitude that allows the music
to still be worshipful. Be looking for this record to hit shelves at the end of February or beginning
of March. After we complete the worship record we will begin working on our next full length record.
This project will begin in mid-January and continue off and on clear into the summer. We will be
cramming in studio time whenever we get an opportunity in between our continuing busy touring
schedule, which will resume in February. Doing two records in one year makes for a busy schedule,
but we are excited about both projects and we get to provide you guys with a bunch of new material
to listen to." We'll keep you posted and let you know when set dates are made... (from Kutless.com)
Tomorrow, Wednesday November 17th, Switchfoot will perform
"Dare You To Move" on the Late Late Show with guest host D.L. Hughley. Other guests are Vivica A. Fox
and Kareem Abdul Jabar. The Late Late Show airs on CBS @ 12:35am ET/PT! (from Switchfoot)
inpop recording group Superchic[k] recently kicked off
the first of several Bold Truth Youth Tour with renowned youth speaker and author Josh McDowell
this past weekend in Tri Cities, TN.
Bringing in nearly 2000 youth at this first event, with future shows playing to audiences of 5,000,
The Bold Truth Youth event is a one-evening, three-hour youth extravaganza with live drama, motion
pictures, lights, sound, and music punctuated by the gripping questions: "What are you searching for?";
"What is the most valued treasure in life?"; and "Where are you trying to find it?" Superchic[k] is
featured throughout the evening, leading praise and worship in the beginning and at the end, and
performing their full energetic set in the middle of the event. Previous to the youth events,
McDowell and his team come in to the city and host Parent and Youth Leader meetings.
The goal of Bold Truth Youth Tour is for young people to be caught up in this unique, experiential
event-of-a-lifetime as the drama unfolds around them, draws them in, and immerses them in a riveting,
interactive, multi-sensory experience unlike anything they have ever attended. Through it all, they
will be brought face-to-face with the Bold Truth that Christ is the only true source of meaning in
life - the One we are all searching for - and the only one with the power that "satisfies every need
there is" (Acts 17:25, NLT).
In the midst of these events Superchic[k]is finishing up recording on their third studio project
with inpop, which is currently scheduled to release spring 2005. (from The M Collective)
“Daywind Music’s The Crabb Family and Word Records’ Kristy Starling have been
named as the tribute artists, and the final song selection has been made for
CCM’s Top 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music, Vol. 2,” announced Gabriel Vasquez,
director of marketing for Creative Trust Workshop.
CCM’s Top 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music, Vol. 2 will be released on February 22,
2005. It is the second of four volumes of 2-CD recordings that each features 25 of the top 100 songs
chosen by CCM Magazine, the preeminent Christian music magazine, for its list of the 100 best songs
ever recorded by Christian music artists. The top 100 songs are revealed in a new book compiled by
CCM Magazine and published by Integrity Publishers.
A new website dedicated to CCM’s Top 100 Greatest Songs, was launched this month at www.CCMTop100.com,
featuring music downloads of the tribute songs, video clips of artist interviews and other
interesting information. (from Spinhouse PR)
Platinum recording group MercyMe won their first
American Music Award in the category of Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Arist last night during
the three-hour special on the ABC Television Network. The special took place at the Shrine
Auditorium in Los Angeles and was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
MercyMe presented the award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist to Sheryl Crow.
MercyMe's new live double disc DVD, MercyMe Live, recently shipped Gold when it hit store
shelves on October 26th. The two discs are jam-packed with footage, including over one hour of live
concert footage and performances of favorite MercyMe songs like "I Can Only Imagine" and "Word of God
Speak," as well as hits from Undone, "Here With Me" and "Homesick," the latter of which was
recently the most-added song at Christian AC radio for two weeks in a row.
The band hit the red carpet last night prior to the broadcast and made the media rounds following
their win and live presentation, conducting interviews with numerous national media outlets such as
Extra, Good Morning America, TV Guide Channel, E! News Daily, CNN and Reuters TV. (from The M Collective)

*Friday, November 12th, 2004*

Big Idea treats Veggies like royalty in the 25th VeggieTales
release Duke and the Great Pie War, a lesson in true love based on the biblical story of
Ruth and Naomi. When the armies of Rhubarb go to battle against the Kingdom of Scone, the Great Pie War breaks out
and things get really messy! Sweet Petunia, a charming young rhubarb and newest VeggieTales
character, is forced to flee her homeland to protect her mother-in-law, Nona (Madame Blueberry).
When the Duke (Larry the Cucumber), learns of the Princess’s plight, he risks his life to help her
and learns that true love means thinking of others first. The episode bows March 5 and 8 in the CBA and general markets respectively. (from Hoganson Media)
Following a successful European tour in October with Delirious, Rocketown recording artist
Taylor Sorensen hits the road this month with Floodgate
Records’ Cool Hand Luke. During this tour Sorensen will stop by several college
campuses to discuss his partnership with Pura Vida coffee and their work with the Fair Trade movement.
Sorensen’s partnership with Pura Vida stems from his ongoing interest in the Fair Trade movement
and his firm belief that love needs to be about action, an idea that is also the theme of his debut
CD, The Overflow. Pura Vida is a Seattle-based, charitably-owned specialty coffee
company that uses all of its resources to benefit at-risk children and their families in
coffee-growing countries. The company is committed to carry only certified Fair Trade, organic,
shade-grown coffee which helps to raise living standards for farmers and their communities and
protect the environment. Sorensen spent the latter half of March visiting radio, retail and media
gatekeepers along with stopping at nearly a dozen college campuses to play concerts and speak on
behalf of Pura Vida. His current tour with Cool Hand Luke will take Sorensen to at least 16 different
markets this month in which he’ll be speaking and performing at numerous campuses, including Wheaton
College (Wheaton, IL) and Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH). (from Rocketown Records)
MxPx finally has a release date for their brand new DVD and EP.
"Get ready everyone! The hottest DVD of the year is about to hit the stores," the band's
official site announced this week. "B Movie will be jam packed with rare interviews,
live performances, tour craziness and tons of fun! Not only that... but the AC/EP will also
be included with 2 brand new songs ("The Silver Screen" and "Grey Skies Turn Blue") and also new
versions of "Invitation To Understanding," "Where Will We Go?" and "Quit Your Life!" November 23rd
is the BIG day... make sure you mark it on your calendar!" (from MxPx.com)
It's been awhile since Nichole Nordeman fans have had new music, but according to
her official website, Nichole is currently in the studio working on her next release!
Stay tuned for more details as they're released... (from NicholeNordeman.com)
Matt Brouwer is returning!
His new record, Unlearning will be ready to ship next week, so fans who have
pre-ordered the album will be the first to hear Matt's new record! Unlearning will not
release in stores till January... (from MattBro.com)
The Elms' first-ever live concert DVD,
Burn The Fields: The Elms Live In Indiana is now fully complete and is currently being
packaged and manufactured for release within several weeks. The DVD is expected to ship upon the
band's return from their Canadian tour this month. For full details regarding the DVD, read the
October 7 news blurb on their official website. (from TheElms.net)
Internationally-known worship leader and songwriter Joel Engle
has signed to Doxology Records (Word Distribution) and will unveil his first major label album
Made For Worship on March 8th, 2005.
"We were drawn to Joel because he already had an incredible outreach underway," said Dan Posthuma, president of Doxology Records." Joel was out there ministering to thousands of kids, working closely with churches and worship teams. We are excited to get behind his career at this point and support him on the industry side of things"
Engle, who has dedicated the past 10 years to leading worship and recording albums as an independent artist,
hopes to further his ministry with the debut of Made For Worship.
“Honestly, I can't believe this is my project!” admits Engle. “These songs are basically representations of what God has been doing in my life. Some are prayers, some are observations and some of the songs are declarations of God's faithfulness. God has blessed this recording from start to finish and I pray that is He will use it to build the hearts of His people and to encourage those who hear it to live a life of worship.”
Made For Worship, featuring 11 songs penned by Engle, brought music industry veteran Darrell Harris (Newsboys, Twila Paris, Phillips, Craig & Dean) back into the recording studio, as well featuring producers Stephen Leiweke (Margaret Becker, Ginny Owens) and Matt Stanfield (Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman).
(from LB Public Relations)

*Wednesday, November 10th, 2004* - UPDATE

Gotee/Capitol Records’ band Relient K unveiled their
fourth studio album Mmhmm last Tuesday, November 2nd and is off to an impressive stride with
51,473 albums sold first week out, nearly doubling their street week numbers of the last album
Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right… But Three Do.
Mmhmm also garnered the #1 album spot on Sound Scan’s Christian album chart with 24,153 sold
at CBA. An additional 27,320 albums were sold at mainstream. Relient K’s new offering also was the
number one seller in the nation over the internet, with 8,534 albums snatched up. These first week
sales numbers landed Relient K at #15 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart. In comparison, the band’s last
Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right release debuted at the #38 position on that same Billboard
chart. The band has seen amazing momentum in street week sales with their very first album scanning
900 units, their second release scanning 9,000, the third album scanned 30,000, and now culminating
in the past week’s 51,473 albums sold.
Relient K heralds the title of the #1 ranked alternative rock band in the CBA marketplace. Their
most recent recognition came in the form of a 2004 Dove Award for “Modern Rock Album Of The Year” with
their previous Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right… But Three Do release. The band has heralded
other accolades with the Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right album including a 2004 Vibe Award for
“Best Rock/Alternative Album”, as well as 2003 GRAMMY nomination.
Relient K has sold over one million albums to date. The band also just released their first-ever
book entitled The Complex Infrastructure Known As The Female Mind: According To Relient K
(Transit Books). (from LB Public Relations)
Word/Curb/Warner Bros. Records signed its latest band, Stellar Kart, late last month.
Hailing from Phoenix, Ariz., Stellar Kart will release its national debut in February.
Adam Agee (vocals, guitar), Jordan Messer (drums), Cody Pellerin (guitar) and Tay Sitera (bass) grew
up playing music in church. The four friends came together to form a worship band at Mt. Ridge
Baptist in Glendale, Ariz., which quickly developed into their now full-time ministry. For the past
two and half years, Stellar Kart has stayed busy performing close to 300 youth events, most of them
on the West Coast. The foursome has toured alongside By the Tree, Jeremy Camp, Building 429 and
Across the Sky, among others.
Aware of the band’s growing popularity among youth circles, Blaine Barcus, VP of A&R for
Word/Curb/Warner Bros., is a big believer in Stellar Kart’s music and ministry. “I loved Stellar
Kart from the moment I first heard them,” says Barcus. “They write melodic, hooky pop/rock songs that
you can’t stop singing, and their energy onstage is contagious. The clincher, however, is Stellar
Kart’s mission to impact youth culture for Christ.”
Stellar Kart’s forthcoming release promises a lively blend of pop, rock and punk with influences
that range from general market groups Green Day and Blink-182 to contemporary Christian acts like
Relient K. In the meantime, Stellar Kart will continue with its regular tour itinerary, playing youth
conferences through year’s end. (from Savvy)
Michael W. Smith follows a chart topping sales week
with a clean sweep at radio garnering his 29th career No. 1 radio single this week across multiple
charts. “Healing Rain” ranked No.1 on R&R’s Adult Contemporary Monitored and Indicator charts.
It’s also topping the Inspirational charts of both R&R and CRW and, according to CRW, the single is
reaching an audience of more than 9,750,000 this week.
Smith’s Healing Rain debuted at No.1 last week on Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums
chart and Top Current Contemporary Christian chart, with a total of 54,520 units scanned. The
highly-anticipated project also debuted at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart.
In addition to the momentum at radio and retail, Smith recently wrapped his first motion picture,
The Second Chance, slated for release in 2005. The independent feature film was written
by industry veterans Steve Taylor and Ben Pearson, and is being directed by Taylor. (from Provident Music)

*Wednesday, November 10th, 2004*

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) will host the GMA
Academy Regional Talent Competition and Seminar in Music City on February 11-12, 2005.
The two day event, to be held on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, is the gospel music
industry’s leading educational seminar for aspiring artists and songwriters and its most influential
talent competition.
Word Records’ Christian pop artist Mark Shultz and INO Records’ urban gospel artist Anthony Evans
will serve as “artists in residence” for the GMA Academy regional event.
“The GMA Academy is the perfect ‘training camp’ for aspiring and independent artists and songwriters,”
said John W. Styll, president of the GMA. “Whether seeking a record deal or an independent ministry,
the GMA Academy provides an effective roadmap for career and ministry success and offers priceless
exposure to the key A&R, record label and publishing executives in gospel music.”
Evidence of the GMA Academy’s value and importance are the many artists who have performed and/or
competed at past GMA Academy events including Stacie Orrico, Rachael Lampa, Casting Crowns, Point
of Grace, Michael W. Smith, David Phelps, BarlowGirl, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, MercyMe’s Bart Millard
and Nichole Nordeman.
The GMA Academy Music City regional event will begin on Friday, February 10 for two days of intensive
training with tracks for songwriters and performers featuring speakers including Dove and
Grammy-winning producer Brown Bannister; Franklin’s Christ Community Senior Pastor and Author Scotty
Smith; Performance Coach Tom Jackson and more. For more information, visit www.gospelmusic.org (from Spinhouse PR)
Project 86 is throwing a free video viewing show/party
on Monday, November 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Universal City, Los Angeles at 7:30pm.
There will be free givaways as well from Project's home label Tooth and Nail and fans will be able to see the
new video for "The Spy Hunter" before anyone else. This is first come, first serve so arrive early
for your spot! In the meantime, check out the brand new JFH interview with Project frontman Andrew
Schwab! (from Project 86)
A world premiere concert from Third Day will be shown
exclusively on Gospel Music Channel on Tuesday, November 23, as the centerpiece of a full night of
prime-time Third Day programming beginning at 8 p.m. EST. The concert will air as part of Gospel
Music Channel’s original program “Front Row Live,” and will concurrently be available on the
Live Wire DVD to be released to consumers the same day. Gospel Music Channel is the nation’s only
24-hour all-gospel television network.
“We are very excited to be bringing the fans of gospel music this exclusive world premiere as this
reinforces our commitment as the preeminent brand for gospel music on television,” said Charles
Humbard, president and CEO of Gospel Music Channel. “This world premiere concert is an example of
the value of our partnerships with the major gospel record labels, along with our strong
relationships with the artists themselves.” (from Provident Music)
We announced earlier this week the arrival of Bart Millard's newest little one, but
fellow MercyMe member Mike Scheuchzer had just as much to celebrate recently!
Mike and his wife Abby recently welcomed their very first child!
Benjamin Michael Scheuchzer was born on Friday, October 22nd and weighed in at 8 lbs, 2 oz!
Congratulations and blessings to the Scheuchzer family! (from The M Collective)
Mae will be headed into the studio on November 19th in
Los Angeles, California with famed producer Ken Andrews (Failure , Andrew W.K., Year of the Rabbit,
Sense Field, Pete Yorn, Self, Charlotte Martin). The band has already written most of the album and
have been playing some of the new songs live ("Someone Else's Arms," "Suspension," "Anything").
The record, tentatively named Everglow, will be released on March 29, 2005. (from Tooth & Nail)
Despite a few delays this year, the new album from Anberlin,
entitled Never Take Friendship Personal, has been finally given a set release date (hopefully) of February 1, 2005!
Visit our album release dates page for a glimpse of the cover! (from Tooth & Nail)

*Monday, November 8th, 2004*

Well, we finally have some confirmation on TobyMac's latest project... a new baby boy!
On Saturday, TobyMac.com made this announcement, "Baby Leo has arrived! Toby's wife Amanda gave birth
to their fourth child on Tuesday, November 2nd. He came 5 weeks early but mom and baby are both doing
great. He was 5 lbs. 6 oz. and 18 1/2 inches. (see Photo Journal for a picture of Truett holding Leo)
Our congratulations go out to Toby and Amanda and the whole family!" We second those congrats!
Also, thanks to our friend Will, 95.3 The Hook was scheduled to have Toby for that day
when the news of his son arrived, "Toby and his crew made their way to Valdosta Tuesday morning
ready to shoot some hoop in front of hundreds of Hook listeners! During lunch at JP Mauldoon's
Toby's wife called to inform him that he needed to get home... she was about to have their fourth
child!" The station's news page also goes on to mention that the game of hoops has been rescheduled
for this Thursday, November 11th! Visit www.thehook.fm for more info.
(from TobyMac.com / TheHook.fm)
More baby news! MercyMe is pleased to welcome the new arrival of a baby girl for
Bart and Shannon Millard (and big brother Sam)! Gracie Ryan Millard was born on
Thursday, November 4th and weighed in at 5lbs, 11 oz.! Congratulations to the Millards!
Jump5 will have their song "Walking on Sunshine" featured on a brand new dance-themed video game! Here's
the official release about the game... Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz"), the world's leading third party video game accessory
manufacturer, announced recently that it will be publishing its first video game title, MC Groovz Dance
Craze. The game will be the first dance game released on the Nintendo GameCube system and will be
bundled with one licensed dance pad at an MSRP of $49.99. Additional Nintendo-licensed Beat Pads can
be purchased separately at an MSRP of $29.99. The title will launch exclusively on the Nintendo
GameCube system and is expected to be in stores for the up-coming holiday season.
MC Groovz Dance Craze is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. The dance game genre has seen strong
sales growth this year as a result of high profile media coverage of the positive health effects of
dance games. The game features 28 songs from leading artists including Jessica Simpson, Kevin Lyttle
and Jewel, a selection of the latest techno dance club tracks, and even some disco classics.
"The new dance game and beat pad bundle addresses one of the hottest trends in the interactive
entertainment industry by capitalizing on the very popular dancing craze," says Darren Richardson,
President and CEO of Mad Catz. "The launch of the game is also an important element in our strategy
to add new revenue streams that leverage the capabilities of our existing business. Mad Catz supplies
dance pads to many of the leading video game retailers in the world. Publishing dance games to be
used in conjunction with those pads is a natural product extension." (from MadCatz, thanks Jack!)

*Saturday, November 6th, 2004*

As announced earlier this week, Hands & Feet Project co-founders,
Audio Adrenaline (AA) and Flicker Records had an idea
to raise money to help fund their Hands and Feet Project Children’s Village to build a campus
of homes for orphans in Haiti – they would auction a concert and band gear on eBay! It was a
resounding success, raising $34,552.43 in just 10 days. The auction was promoted on the road at
AA concerts, at Youth Specialties, and through media partners like TBN, ZJAM, and local radio
stations across the country.
”The success of this auction is awesome,” says Mark Stuart, AA frontman. “We did not have any idea
how much would be raised, but God had it under control. The money will help pay for the land and
houses that make up the campus.” Already, land has been acquired and floor plans and elevations
drawn for the administration building and residential homes to accommodate a family and six to
eight kids. Joining Hands and Feet Project in the effort is Habitat for Humanity, with the first
phase being the construction of two cottages in March.
For Bob Herdman, this is God’s unique way of answering prayer. “When the AA guys and I started this
dream and formed the Hands & Feet Project, we realized it would take more than our personal resources
to fund such a vision, so we gave it to God and asked for His creativity. It is really a blessing
to see people join with us as partners through this eBay auction to raise such a significant amount
of money. That and the Habitat for Humanity partnership are key elements in seeing this vision
take life.” (from AudioA.com)
Multiple GRAMMY-winning artist Michael W. Smith’s
Healing Rain, his first pop-oriented studio project
since 1999, debuted at No.1 this week on Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums chart and Top
Current Contemporary Christian chart, with a total of 54,520 units scanned. The highly-anticipated
project also lands this week at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart.
Smith’s first radio single from Healing Rain, the album’s title cut, rose quickly to the
No. 1 position on the R&R Inspirational chart and is currently at No. 2 on the R&R AC Indicator chart
and No. 3 on the R&R AC Monitored chart. On Oct. 26, the album’s release date, Smith spent nearly 10
hours conducting interviews with more than 30 reporting radio stations and nationally syndicated
radio programs across the country. Smith was also found time during the album’s street week to hit
the campaign trail for President George W. Bush, spending time with the President and performing at a
campaign rally in Iowa. Healing Rain’s impressive debut caps off a busy month for Smith, who recently hosted the “Healing
Rain Seminar,” a Saturday morning life-enriching event that was simulcast to movie theaters in 30
major markets across the country on Oct. 23. Sponsored by Integrity Publishers, the three-hour
seminar featured some of today’s top Christian communicators including Max Lucado, Henry Cloud,
John Townsend, Stephen Arterburn and Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. The seminar featured the brand new video
for Smith’s new worship anthem, “Healing Rain.” Integrity Publishers has also released the 64-page,
full-color gift book "Healing Rain," based upon Smith’s song. The book retails for $14.99 and
ncludes a bonus DVD of the song’s video and a special interview segment with Smith.
In addition to the “Healing Rain Seminar,” Smith has been busy starring in his first motion picture,
The Second Chance. The independent feature film was written by industry veterans Steve
Taylor and Ben Pearson, and is being directed by Taylor. (from Provident Music)
Members of GRAMMY-winning rock band Third Day got a
home state treat when they performed as part of the festivities for the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 31.
Vocalist Mac Powell sang the national anthem live before the more than 150,000 attending the race and
NBC’s nationwide television audience. The band -- including Powell, guitarists Mark Lee and Brad
Avery, drummer David Carr and bassist Tai Anderson -- also performed a 40-minute set prior to the
drivers introductions at the start-finish line, and honored the band’s home state with a rendition
of “Georgia On My Mind.”
The band also had a chance to meet with the NEXTEL Cup drivers before the race, including fan
favorite and fellow Chevy driver Jeff Gordon currently a contender in the chase for the NEXTEL Cup Championship.
“This has been an exciting day!” says Mac Powell. “To sing at the fastest track in NASCAR – which
just happens to be in our hometown of Atlanta – and meet the drivers we love to watch in the NEXTEL
Cup Series has certainly been a highlight of 2004!
Third Day recently released its seventh album, Wire, which debuted on Billboard’s Top 200
album chart at number 12. The band also recently celebrated its second consecutive American Music
Award nomination, and is preparing for the upcoming release of Live Wire, a special two-disc live
DVD/CD set on Nov. 23. Sure to be a collector’s item for Third Day fans everywhere, Live Wire hits
store shelves Thanksgiving week, traditionally the biggest retail week of the year. (from Provident Music)
CNN’s segment on popular rock band Day of Fire is slated
to air on CNN Live Sunday during the 8 a.m. EST hour this Sunday, Nov. 7. Check your local listings.
The piece features an interview with frontman Joshua Brown who is the former lead singer of mainstream
act Full Devil Jacket, which previously toured with bands including Creed, Fuel and Nickelback. Brown
quit FDJ after surviving a heroin overdose and committing his life to God while in rehabilitation.
(Please note, as with all news programs, this scheduled airing is subject to change in the case of
breaking news.) Day of Fire currently has the No. 1 rock song on CRW’s Rock chart with “Cornerstone,”
having just released its highly-anticipated Oct. 26 self-titled debut. The band continues its
momentum on the road as the featured act on Third Day’s “Live Wire” tour this fall. (from Provident Music)
Sara Groves has just completed a side project-album of whimsical yet smart songs dealing with the
experiences of being a new parent. The 11-song CD was "birthed" from the time Kirby was born until
just a few weeks ago when she and producer Don Chaffer (Waterdeep) put the finishing touches on the
project. This will be exclusively a website and live concert release only. The project,
entitled Station Wagon: songs for new parents by Sara Groves is scheduled
to release on www.saragroves.com in January.
Sara will also be on the road in late-Spring with 2 of CCM's most prolific singer/songwriters in the
industry. Sara will be joining Fernando Ortega and Bebo Norman for a tour that promises to be
filled with great music and great storytelling. The dates so far are set for April 21 - May 22, 2005.
Keep an eye on saragroves.com for updated cities.
And it does seem like a long way off, but Sara has begun demo-ing new songs for her next INO release.
The release date for that is tentatively scheduled for October 2005. (from SaraGroves.com)
Rook, a new band featuring Eric Champion, is happy to announce the addition of drummer Randy
Shreve (formally of GS Megaphone) to the permanent lineup of the band. “We are very excited to have
Randy as a member of the band, he is an amazing drummer and all around great guy his dedication to
his craft and his faith is inspiring and will take the band to a new level,” said member Jeremy Dean.
Rook, The K Parts and Andy Simonds were all in the studio recently laying down more tracks on their
projects. It's all coming together. Things are looking great for a Spring 2005 pre-release
compilation CD with full length albums to follow soon after. (from Luminous Art Media)
We do not have a confirmed source, but we received an email today announcing that TobyMac's
fourth child was born on November 2nd and has been named Leo Tobias McKeehan! If it's true,
congrats Toby! We'll keep you all posted for confirmation on this announcement. In
the meantime, check out JFH's recent interview with TobyMac!
(Thanks JF0699)
Bleach has offered yet another update on the progress of their new and final record scheduled
to release next year... "We have finished up a good deal of the record so far. We have the bass and
drums finished. Also a good bit of guitar and piano/rhodes. I am back in Dallas now. The rest of the
guys will finish up starting next week. You guys are going to love this record. At least i hope you
do. I know it is very special to us as a band. We are throwing on a few suprises, so you need to
check it out! I love you guys! jerry" (from Bleached.com)
Currently in the studio working on its fourth album, Dove Award winning pop trio ZOEgirl
has announced plans to join The Revolve Tour - a special series of concert events for teenage girls
- in fall 2005.
Sponsored by Women of Faith, an organization that usually caters to adult women, The Revolve Tour
will combine music, drama, guest speakers, and fun specifically designed for girls in the 7th –
12th grades (although moms are invited to attend with their daughters). In addition to music from
ZOEgirl, Natalie Grant, and Tammy Trent, guest artists and speakers will address issues such as
“Growing Your Faith,” “Self Esteem,” “Sexual Purity,” and “Friendships & Family Values.” (from Sparrow Records)

*Wednesday, November 3rd, 2004*

Clean, the newest studio project from best-selling, Dove-nominated singer/songwriter duo
Shane Barnard and Shane Everett, collectively known as Shane & Shane,
debuted this week at #2 on the Christian SoundScan sales chart with over 9,100 units sold.
The project made its debut at #5 on the Overall Christian sales chart and #122 on Billboard’s “Top
200 Albums” sales chart. The distinction marks the third time in as many records that the duo has
debuted in the Top 10.
Produced by Shane & Shane and Will Hunt, with additional production on three tracks by Paul Moak,
Clean fuses pop, worship and folk-rock stylings with lyrical detail and irresistible
melodies. Clean features seven new songs written by Shane & Shane as well as a remake of
the timeless classic “He Is Exalted,” a new version of the Shanes’ fan-favorite “Yearn,” and the
duo’s take on the popular “There Is None Like You.”
“We’re absolutely floored at the response to this record,” said Barnard. “Writing these songs and
making this record was an exciting process. We didn’t try to make a record that ‘fits’ a particular
audience, but just worked to make a record that was an accurate reflection of who we are as people
and artists. We’re thankful for the support of our fans, old and new.” (from The WMG)
Casting Crowns, Christian music’s top-selling new
artist this year, celebrates the RIAA Platinum certification of its DVD/CD project Live From Atlanta (9/14).
In addition, the band performed its hit “Who Am I” before a crowd of approximately 20,000
at a Bush-Cheney ‘04 Campaign rally Wed. Oct. 27 at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac,
Mich. Friday morning, Oct. 29, ABC’s “Good Morning America” featured the band in a music segment focusing on how each presidential candidate has incorporated music into their
respective campaigns.
Live From Atlanta debuted No. 1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Top Christian Music Videos chart
and at No. 12 on the overall Top Music Videos chart. The new project offers an inside look at the
group via live performances and in-depth interviews with band members, and also showcases the band’s
first music video, “American Dream.”
The success of Live From Atlanta underscores the impact made by the band over the past year as the group’s self titled project, released Sept.30, 2003, reached Gold status in June 2004, just eight months after its release.
(from Provident Music)
British DJ Andy Hunter, whose beat-driven Exodus
worship album marked a breakthrough in Christian electronic music, recently performed and demonstrated
technical recording/performance equipment at Microsoft headquarters. That presentation can be viewed
online now at Microsoft.com.
Hunter, whose unique sounds have landed everywhere from movie trailers for The Matrix to television’s
“Alias,” is now working on a second album. Stay tuned at AndyHunter.com. (from AndyHunter.com)
Plumb has posted some updates on her website regarding her new record Chaotic Resolve
and her pregnancy... "I’m still happy as a pig to be pregnant! I’ve been quite fortunate to have not
been very sick nor have I gained much weight yet. I’ve gained a whopping 6 ¾ lbs.! The average is
10-13 lbs. at this stage (18 weeks) so although I’ve chosen healthy foods… I am eating FREELY, and
what fun that is! I went shopping just last night for not just a piece or two of maternity clothes
like I’ve been doing to get by, but a chunk of them. I’ve insisted on still dressing like myself,
but the rubber band holding together my favorite jeans is just getting old…and uncomfortable.
So I was happy to buy some pants that look weird. My hubby thinks it looks cute, and that blesses
me to be married to someone who thinks my new fat is sexy. He felt the baby move this past Monday
night, the 25th, for the first time and I’ve been feeling it move now since October 9th. So that’s
terribly exciting. It moves A LOT when I’m in the studio singing or the music I’m listening to is
loud. Rock star in my belly???? We’ll see." In regards to recording Chaotic..., Plumb
writes, "We actually have more songs than we need, which is a good thing, and are now in the process
of choosing the final 3 or 4 more that we’ll record by the end of the year. So I’ve been busy making
a scratch demo of them all so we can have an accurate listen to them before final choosing. Also,
the new photos and the mix of ‘I Can’t Do This’ will be available on the site soon, so keep checking
in, as that’s just an FYI as I’d mentioned it a few weeks ago." You can read about all of this
and more from Plumb at Plumbinfo.com! (from Plumbinfo.com)
Jeremy Camp's new record Restored streets on November 16th, but you can
enter today to win a new guitar! Fill out the form on this page for a chance to win a guitar signed
by none other than Mr. Camp himself. Surf on over to
http://becrecordings.com/camp/ecard2/contest/
Tooth & Nail rock band Slow Coming Day has had a lot going on with them lately. The band
has undergone a few member changes while starting plans for their sophomore record.
"For those of you that have seen us play live recently you have probably noticed we have a new
line-up," Orion announced Tuesday in the band's newsletter. "I would offically like to welcome
Kevin Lancot (ex-winter constellation, westmark) to the band on guitar and Bobbylee Hansen on bass.
I am very excited to be working with both of these guys and am anxious for you to hear some of the
new stuff we have been writing together! This is obviously a big change for the band but definitely
for the better. Brad Smith, previously on guitar, decided to leave the band to persure other things.
It's hard to see such a good friend and a big part of slow coming day go, but I am also excited for
what is instore for the future of this band. I know that there are great things to come. We will be
updating the site soon with some pictures of our new line-up, etc. so keep checking back for more updates!
We now have a new website up and running, go and check it out. It's still the same address
at www.slowcomingday.com. We will be doing a lot more updates soon with photos, bios, etc.
so make sure to check back often!
A lot of people have been asking us when we are planning to go into the studio again to do our second album
to follow up Farewell to the Familiar. Right now we are currently writing a lot of new material and we should have plans to go into the studio sometime hopefully in early 2005. So we should have a new album coming out on Tooth and Nail Records sometime in 2005."
InPop artist Paul Colman has made some brand new music available on his website! You can
surf on over to PaulColman.com and download the song "Gloria" from his new solo record due out
in February/March of next year. In addition to an mp3 of the song, fans can download lyrics, the
story behind the song, and even sheet music! (from PaulColman.com)

*Tuesday, November 2nd, 2004*

It has been confirmed that Pillar's single "Bring Me Down" will
appear on the THQ (http://www.thq.com) game "MX vs. ATV Unleashed." It
will be available on Playstation, Xbox, Gamecube, Gameboy Advance,
PC and more. The game hits stores in February 2005. You can catch Pillar on their Fall
Where Do We Go From Here Tour with Project 86, Falling Up and labelmates Subseven now!
(from Flicker Records)
KJ-52 has been hard at work on his next record. In a recent journal,
KJ offered the following details on the Winter 2005 release,
"The release date is Feb. 1st and the album is officially called
Behind the Musik: a boy named Jonah... it's going well I'm now up to 26 or 27 songs
done and I'm going to keep pushing on.. (can't stop won't stop!!).
Also for those that may or may not care... in addition to Jon Micah of Kutless apperaing on
the LP it's looks like Jeremy Camp will also be making a guest appearance. More details on that
later. I'm pumped on both. Both are artists whom I really respect, and trust me the tracks
are blazing!" (from KJ52.com. Thanks Justin)
Award winning and platinum selling band MercyMe will
launch their Spring 2005 Undone Tour with the Gospel Music Association's Male Vocalist and New Artist
of the Year Jeremy Camp. Completing the line-up are newcomers The Afters and Monk & Neagle.
The 35 + city tour will kick off Feburary 10 in Wichita, KS and hit key markets including Los Angeles, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Nashville.
“MercyMe is excited to be out on the road again with Jeremy Camp and to have the opportunity to
introduce audiences to two great new artists, The Afters and Monk & Neagle comments,” MercyMe’s
manager, Scott Brickell of BrickHouse Entertainment. “We look forward to launching the tour this
spring and are contuinely honored to be a small part of whatever God has in store for MercyMe.
The band continues to amaze me with their commitment to great songs and a live show that focuses
on making Christ known.”
This tour with MercyMe will support the best-selling and quickly-approaching Gold Undone project,
which released in April, scanning over 56,000 units in its first week, and landing at #12 on the
BILLBOARD Top 200 Album sales chart. The band spent the summer and early fall co-headlining with
Michael W. Smith on the One Nation Tour, selling out several key venues including New York City's
famed Radio City Music Hall. (from The M Collective)
Three-time Dove Award nominee Sara Groves was recently
recognized by the Alumni Board from Evangel University for her significant achievements in the few
years since her graduation. Honored with the "Outstanding Young Alumnus Award" Groves received the
award as an alumni who has made contributions to society within a short period after her graduation.
In 1994, Sara received her Bachelors of Science in History and English from this private Christian
university in Springfield, Missouri.
"So much of my life and music reflect the principles and passions I found at Evangel," states Sara.
"From the day I was born, my dad [Dwight Colbaugh] has engaged me in a conversation about what it
means to take on the very worldview of Jesus Christ. These and others still inspire me ten years
later, and will inspire me for years to come to integrate my faith and life, and to live out the kingdom dream."
Groves performed for the Evangel University Homecoming event on October 9, 2004. Along with her
performance, the keynote speaker was United States Attorney General John Ashcroft. Ashcroft has
ties to this university as he is the son of the university's second president, the late Dr. J.
Robert Ashcroft, who served from 1958-1974. (from The M Collective)
Kids In The Way will be on tour with Skillet and Seventh Day Slumber
in January and February. In the meantime, they are finishing up the
second half of the Imperfect Tour with Everyday Sunday and will head
into the studio to record their sophomore album in December. (from Flicker Records)
The documentary "Last Letters Home" will premier on HBO on Thursday, November 11.
"Our brother and hero, Captain Josh Byers is featured," announced Bleach on their homepage
on Saturday. "You will see the Byers family read Josh's letters and tell his story. There is also
a companion book released this week by Time/Life Books that also features Josh and his letters.
It is also titled, 'Last Letters Home.' You can go to www.hbo.com, click on Last Letters Home - under
the documentaries heading, and see pictures of Josh and read more about the film.
May we never forget..." (from Bleached.com)
Joining successful label mates Big Daddy Weave, BarlowGirl and By The Tree, newly signed pop/rock
band Exit East will release its self-titled label debut January 18.
Brad Avery of Third Day says, “I have had the pleasure of knowing these guys and experiencing them
use their gifts on a regular basis. They have a passionate faith that spills over into everything
they do. They are excellent leaders in worship, and tremendous leaders in service. They are gifted
in weaving strong spiritual content with energized and heartfelt music."
Exit East members Jason Foust, lead vocals and keyboard, Jon Stanley, lead guitar, Mitch Brooks, bass
and Chris Lindsey, drums, all hail from the Atlanta, GA area where they began their music career in
1999 as a worship band. Winning AtlantaFest’s “Artist Search” contest in 2003, producer Otto Price
(Out of Eden, Grits, BarlowGirl) took note of the band and came on board to produce the album.
The resulting sound melds catchy guitar parts, floor-shaking drums and groove-heavy bass lines.
A sample of their sound is featured on the recently released Absolute Smash Hits performing
“With You,” and on Absolute Favorite Christmas, released in September, with the lead singer,
Jason Foust, singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” (from Hoganson Media)
Salvador performed on Thursday, October 28 for a crowded studio audience at
"Live From Studio B" in South Bend, Ind. Cavazos and Gonzales of Salvador made time between
fall tour dates to promote their Nov. 9 studio release, So Natural. The show will air November
11, 2004 on DirecTV at 8:30 pm EST. (from Savvy Media)

Next Friday, September 20Jeremy CampThe Story's Not Over [Capitol]Life.Church WorshipGod So Good [DREAM]William McDowellThe Cry: A Live Worship Experience [Integrity]North Point Inside OutWide Open EP [Centricity]Social Club MisfitsDOOM - EP [Capitol]